2025 Federal Government Shutdown

The federal government's fiscal year ended at midnight on September 30, 2025. At that time, Congress had not yet have passed an Appropriation Act for FY 2026. Ultimately, this meant that federal "non-essential" operations were paused as a government shutdown commenced until the passage of a funding measure/continuing resolution. The government shutdown officially ended on November 12, 2025.

Guidance

During a shutdown, federal funds already approved for grants or student aid programs continue to flow. Current grants are not affected to the extent that budgeted funds remain and the time period for their expenditure remains in effect. Researchers should not experience problems paying project personnel, ordering supplies and conducting normal operations. However, federally funded contracts could receive stop-work orders.

A set of frequently asked questions has been developed to help you quickly gather information during this time. We will continue to update as required throughout the duration of the shutdown.

Frequently Asked Questions for K-State Researchers

• What is happening on September 30, 2025?

  The federal government's fiscal year ends at midnight on September 30, 2025. At this time, Congress has not passed an Appropriation Act for FY2026, and it appears unlikely that a continuing resolution will be enacted. If this occurs, the Antideficiency Act (31 U.S.C. 1341 et seq.) requires a shutdown of non-essential government operations until funding is approved.

• Will a short-term government shutdown impact research at K-State?

  If the shutdown is brief, the impacts are expected to be minimal. Current grants may continue as long as budgeted funds are available and within their expenditure period.

• Can I continue paying personnel, ordering supplies, and conducting research?

  Yes. Researchers should not experience problems continuing normal operations if project funds remain available. However, federally funded contracts could be subject to stop-work orders depending on their scope and requirements.

• Will payments and reimbursements be processed during a shutdown?
  • Payments can only be processed for sponsors using automated electronic payment systems that do not require human approval.
    
    
  • Requests requiring review, approvals, or manual processing will not be handled during a shutdown.
    
    
  • For short-term shutdowns, this is not expected to cause major issues. For longer shutdowns, K-State must monitor cash balances and large expenditures closely.
• Will K-State bear financial risk during the shutdown?

  Yes. Like all grantees, K-State will proceed at its own risk. The university must monitor project accounts to ensure sufficient funds are available. The federal government has advised grantees to be frugal with spending during this period.

• What about new awards, continuations, or amendments?

  New awards, continuations, or additional funding will not be issued during a shutdown. This could affect ongoing projects and will require close coordination with departmental administrators, college business officers, and the Office of Sponsored Programs.

• How will proposal reviews and submissions be affected?
  • Most peer review processes will cease during a shutdown, delaying scheduled review panels and slowing down new grant awards after reopening.
    
    
  • Some submission portals and agency websites may be offline or unavailable.
    
    
  • The Office of Vice President for Research will continue to prepare proposals, submitting as possible or holding submissions until portals reopen.
• What about access to federal data and systems?

  Data downloads from federal agencies may be affected. Access to IT systems, installations, or other sponsor involvement may also be curtailed, especially for cooperative agreements relying on government staff.

• What specific immediate impacts might K-State see?
  • Receipt of stop-work orders from federal sponsors.
    
    
  • Possible furloughs or stop-work requirements for employees assigned to government facilities.
    
    
  • Curtailment of project activities requiring government involvement, installations, or IT access.
• Will essential operations continue at any agencies?

  Some agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control, maintain essential staff and operations. However, most program operations, proposal reviews, and related activities will pause.

• Where can researchers find updates and resources?
  • The Council on Governmental Relations has provided a general list of shutdown considerations.
  • Federal agencies are required to post agency contingency plans and FAQs.
  • APLU has also issued federal government shutdown resources, which includes a compilation of federal agency lapse plans.
  • Federal agencies will also send project-specific guidance to current grantees, which will be distributed by the Office of Sponsored Programs as received.
• Who can I contact with questions?
  • For proposal or award questions: research@k-state.edu
    
    
  • For payment-related questions: spaaccts@k-state.edu
• How will K-State support researchers during this time?
  The Office of the Vice President for Research will continue to monitor federal updates and share new guidance as soon as possible. We remain available to assist researchers and the broader K-State community throughout a shutdown.

Additional Resources

• The Council on Governmental Relations has provided a general list of shutdown considerations.
• Federal agencies are required to post agency contingency plans and FAQs.
• APLU has also issued federal government shutdown resources, which includes a compilation of federal agency lapse plans.
• Federal agencies will also send project-specific guidance to current grantees, which will be distributed by the Office of Sponsored Programs as received.